Michael Owen has responded to claims he had a "reputation for being a little dull over the years."
The 39-year-old , who grew up in Flintshire , appeared on Good Morning Britain today to promote his new autobiography, titled Reboot.
During the segment, the former Liverpool striker was asked by Piers Morgan whether he relates to Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently revealed he's so recognised he rarely takes his children to the park.
Michael, who was dubbed an "absolute superstar" by the host, however said he felt that way "for a short period of time," particularly following the 1998 World Cup.
He explained: "It's a fraction of what it's like for him or Messi or Beckham. There's a small few whose lives really changes.
"And you think they've got everything but they've got very little."
Grilled on whether he thought Ronaldo was a better player than Messi, the 39-year-old said the latter was "born a better footballer."
He added: "But if I was a manager, I would pick Ronaldo. He's everything, he's answered every question. Messi hasn't played for an international league."
The conversation quickly moved to Michael's reputation, with Piers commenting: "You've had a reputation for being a little dull over the years.
"I know you're not like that because we've had clashes on Twitter ."
Michael explained that his public image has definitely not always matched up to his true personality, referring to himself as a "feisty little so-and-so" when he was younger.
He explained: "All of a sudden I was this young kid in the public eye and everything off the pitch got taken care of [by my agent].
"The image he painted for me was a bit whiter than white, a bit dull. For years I was probably portrayed in a different life [than who I am]."
The Good Morning Britain panel also questioned the football icon over his "feud" with his former Newcastle United manager Alan Shearer , which has become headline news since being revealed in the new autobiography.
Michael said: "I had a groin injury going into the last game of the season, a week or so before, and I felt I was 6 or 7 days away from being fit.
"I thought if I push any further, it's gonna re-tear."
The 39-year-old, who played for Newcastle United between 2005 and 2009, recommended he be put on the bench and could come on the pitch if Shearer was "desperate for a goal."
Michael reminded that he was allowed on the bench but that Alan "thinks I didn't put in for him during the final game."
The pair, according to Michael, haven't spoken since though he insists he has no personal problem with his former manager.
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"I'm disappointed about it myself," Michael said.
During his appearance on the breakfast programme, the 39-year-old also explained the embarrassing moment he was told off by the Queen.
The football star was in her Majesty's attendance at Royal Ascot some years ago, which he referred to as "an amazing day."
However, things soon took an awkward turn when the Queen hurried his party into a lift - with Michael well aware that protocol encouraged keeping hats on in front of monarch at all times.
"But as she called us over to get in," he explained, "I obviously got close and took my hat off."
The 39-year-old said he "squeezed up to her" to make room for others and his hat, now in his hand, ended up bumping the Queen.
And according to Michael, her Majesty responded: "If you put your hat back on then we might have enough room for all of us."
Will you be buying Michael's new autobiography? Let us know in the comments section below.
